18.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), the Combined Authority shall have in relation to the Area a function corresponding to the function in section 154(1) of the Transport Act 2000 M1 (grants to bus service operators) which the Secretary of State has in relation to England.
(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), section 154(1) of the Transport Act 2000 shall have effect as if “with the approval of the Treasury” were omitted.
(3) Grants made under paragraph (1) must be—
(a)calculated in accordance with such method as may be provided by any regulations made by the Secretary of State by virtue of section 154(2) of the Transport Act 2000; and
(b)subject to sub-paragraph (a), of such amount and subject to such conditions (including conditions requiring their repayment in specified circumstances) as may be determined by the Secretary of State by virtue of section 154(3) of the Transport Act 2000 and notified to the Combined Authority.
(4) Grants must not be made under paragraph (1) to the extent that eligible bus services operate outside the Area.
(5) In this article, “eligible bus services” has the meaning given by section 154(5) of the Transport Act 2000.